Duckworth Diary: March 13, 2015

Press Release

Dear Neighbors,

I hope you are staying warm out there -- Spring is right around the corner!

I met with the Greater Chicago Food Depository recently to talk about the Fill Up Your Plate initiative and the importance of ‪the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In 2014, over 2 million people in Illinois were enrolled in SNAP. We all need to work together to make sure that no child goes hungry.

I'm relieved that legislation passed last week to ensure funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris, and continued calls by terrorist organizations to attack Western targets, it's crucial that we continue to fund DHS. Discontent over the President's executive order on immigration should not jeopardize Congress' responsibility to keep American families safe.

On Wednesday, I met with Helmut Mueller, President of Helm Tool Company in Elk Grove Village. I really enjoyed hearing about the great work his company is doing in the District and talking about policies we can enact to spur economic growth in our local communities -- while protecting business from unfair competition.

I was proud to sign onto an amicus brief in the marriage equality cases that are on appeal to the United States Supreme Court. The Supreme Court and Congress need to grant all Americans - gay or straight -- equal protection and rights under the law.

This week, I spoke to members of an English as a Second Language class at the YWCA of Elgin. We addressed progress on immigration reform and what my office can do to help if they have any problems with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

I also hosted a Congress at Your Corner in Elgin. I met with so many of our neighbors and found ways to assist them with their legislative concerns as well as casework inquiries.

I hope you're having a great week.

Sincerely,

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